The Middle East is a culinary wonderland filled with diverse flavours and time-honoured traditions. Each country offers its own distinctive dishes, from aromatic spiced grills and savoury stews to fresh seafood and irresistible sweets. It’s truly bound to leave every foodie salivating for more! So, if you happen to be a traveller guided by food then these ten destinations in the Middle East deserve to be on your radar.
1. Turkey
Turkey is a culinary powerhouse that blends Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian flavours. From the pistachio-rich baklava of Gaziantep to the fiery kebabs of Şanlıurfa and the smoky mezes of Antakya, every region offers its own specialities. Istanbul alone is worth the trip, with everything from Ottoman stews to late-night street food like kokoreç. Don’t miss a traditional Turkish breakfast when you visit Turkey, as it’s a feast in itself.
Popular Dishes: Ali Nazik Kebab, Lahmacun, Katmer and Baklava
2. Egypt
Egyptian cuisine is rich in comfort and tradition, with dishes that are as filling as they are flavourful. In Cairo, street food staples like koshari, ful medames, and taameya draw crowds daily, offering a taste of the country’s culinary heart. Along the coast and the Nile, you’ll find fragrant stews, grilled meats, and seafood seasoned with garlic, coriander, and cumin.
Popular Dishes: Koshari, Fiteer, Ful Medames and Molokhia
3. Oman
Omani cuisine combines Arab, Indian, and East African influences into rich, comforting dishes full of depth and tradition. Slow-cooked shuwa, tender lamb marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves, is a national favourite often served during celebrations. Highlighting Oman’s coastal roots are dishes like Mashuai (grilled kingfish with lemon rice). Sipping cardamom coffee with dates or warm bread with honey, every Omani meal reflects true hospitality.
Popular Dishes: Shuwa, Majboos, Mashuai and Halwa Omaniya
4. Algeria
Algeria’s cuisine is a fragrant tapestry of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients that reflects its rich cultural heritage. From the tender, slow-cooked tagines bursting with savoury meats and vegetables to fluffy, steaming couscous crowned with vibrant stews, every bite tells a story. The smoky, spicy merguez sausages and flaky brik pastries add layers of texture and flavour that delight the senses.
Popular Dishes: Chorba Frik, Couscous, Tajine, Mahjouba and Makroud
5. Tunisia
Tunisia’s cuisine contains a blend of Mediterranean freshness and North African heat, known for its bold spices and tangy flavours. Dishes like harissa, a fiery chilli paste, and couscous topped with rich stews showcase the country’s love for layering taste and texture. Fresh seafood from the Mediterranean coast pairs beautifully with preserved lemons, olives, and fragrant herbs. From street food in Tunis to home-cooked meals by the coast, Tunisia offers a rich culinary adventure.
Popular Dishes: Brik, Ojja, Couscous with seafood and Harissa
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6. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian cuisine is deeply rooted in Bedouin culture with hearty, delectable dishes that celebrate hospitality and community. Signature meals like kabsa, a fragrant rice dish with spiced meat, and jareesh, showcase the country’s love for slow-cooked, aromatic flavours. Dates, fresh flatbreads, and rich coffee are staples that accompany every gathering. Exploring Saudi food means experiencing centuries of tradition served with warmth and generosity.
Popular Dishes: Kabsa, Jareesh, Samak Meshwi, Mandi and Dates
7. Bahrain
Bahraini food reflects a unique mix of Arab, Persian, and Indian flavours thanks to its long history as a Gulf trading centre. Popular dishes like machboos, a spiced rice served with meat or fish, and ghoozi, stuffed roasted lamb, showcase the country’s rich and hearty tastes. Fresh seafood is a staple that is enhanced with zesty citrus and aromatic spices. Eating in Bahrain means enjoying vibrant flavours wrapped in warm hospitality.
Popular Dishes: Machboos, Muhammar, Balaleet, Ghoozi and Samboosa
8. Qatar
Qatar’s cuisine is a combination of traditional Bedouin recipes with influences from across the Gulf. Dishes like madrouba, a creamy spiced rice porridge, and harees, slow-cooked wheat with meat, offer a comforting taste of Qatari heritage. Coastal seafood and rich spices highlight the country’s culinary roots. Dining in a bustling souq or a modern restaurant, Qatar promises a rich and authentic culinary experience.
Popular Dishes: Madrouba, Thareed, Saloona and Luqaimat
9. Kuwait
Kuwaiti cuisine is rich and deeply rooted in the country’s history and geography. Signature meals like mutabbaq zubaidi, featuring silver pomfret fish with fragrant rice, and margoog, a rich stew with vegetables and flat dumplings, showcase the country’s comforting, home-style cooking. Sweet treats and aromatic coffee often accompany meals, highlighting the warmth of Kuwaiti hospitality.
Popular Dishes: Mutabbaq Zubaidi, Margoog, Maglooba and Qatayef & Gers Ogaily
10. UAE
The UAE’s food scene reflects both its deep-rooted Emirati heritage and the diverse cultures of its residents. Classic meals like majboos, spiced rice with meat or fish, and regag, thin, crispy bread served with various fillings, showcase the country’s Bedouin origins. Alongside these, bustling markets provide everything from coastal seafood to decadent sweets like luqaimat.
Popular Dishes: Al Machboos, Shawarma, Luqaimat, Harees, Stuffed Camel
So next time you travel to the Middle East, be sure to come with an open mind and a big appetite for food.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Anna Tekkol and Ali Dashti
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First Published: September 16, 2025 5:39 PM